Positive rainfall forecast buoy farmers

Mutsawashe Mashandure

Herald Correspondent

Farmers are optimistic about a better 2004/2025 summer cropping season following the positive rainfall forecast announced yesterday.
The country is predicted to receive normal to above-normal precipitation in the upcoming summer cropping season.

Regional experts indicate a likelihood of normal to below-normal conditions from October to December across southwestern Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and northeast South Africa.

This forecast aligns with reports from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and other global weather agencies, which suggest that a developing La Niña weather event in the Pacific Ocean could enhance prospects for wetter conditions in Zimbabwe and surrounding nations during the 2024/25 cropping season.

Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) president Dr Shadreck Makombe applauded climate experts for their guidance amid forecasts of normal to above-normal rainfall following a severe drought.

“Farmers would like to thank the climate experts for their guidance, especially considering the forecast of normal to above-normal rainfall,” he said.

“We have just come out of a very disturbing 2023/24 agricultural season, which brought some uncomfortable experiences due to the El Niño-induced drought. Agricultural production across the country did not perform well.

“However, forecasts indicate a normal to above-normal rainfall season ahead, which is quite refreshing. This represents a stark contrast to what we have just experienced.”

He said farmers should always collaborate with climate experts to identify optimal planting times and mitigate potential challenges.

“At the same time, farmers should continuously seek information from these climate experts, as conditions may change. Currently, we are ready for the planting season, but we have been advised that rainfall is expected to begin in December,” he said.